JOE ROBINSON is hoping to use Newcastle Falcons’ season in the Championship to press his case for first-team inclusion.

The 19-year-old prospect was restricted last season by injuries after joining the club straight from school, but insists his troubles are now behind him as he attacks pre-season.

Robinson said: “I had a couple of niggling injuries which halted my progress last season, particularly the AC joint in my shoulder.

“I am pain-free now, though, and pre-season has been going well.”

Facing a battle for back-row selection with the likes of Taiasina Tu’ifua, Ally Hogg, Chris York, Richard Mayhew and fellow Cumbrian Mark Wilson, Robinson could be one of the players to benefit from Newcastle’s inclusion in the British and Irish Cup.

Home-and-away dates with Connacht Eagles, Newport and Cross Keys await them in a competition expected to be made up of largely fringe selections, although for Robinson it could be a prime opportunity to impress.

He said: “That place is always there for the taking, and if I impress during training then hopefully I will be given a chance.

“When that comes I know I have to take it, and I can’t leave anything in reserve.”

Insisting that a season of second-tier rugby has not stunted Newcastle’s ambition, the Kendal native said: “It is an exciting time for the club with Dean Richards coming to join us as director of rugby, and as a back-row forward I am sure that can only be good for my game.

“We also have John Wells here who has huge experience in that department, and is great to learn from.

“The fact that we are in the Championship this season hasn’t affected anybody’s ambition or preparation, and it is all just about hitting the ground running.

“We will be a tough pack to live with given the aggression and physicality we will be bringing, and everybody is just focused on bouncing back to the Premiership straightaway.”

Despite being the latest in a long line of home-grown products at Kingston Park, Robinson is at a loss to explain the club’s secret, saying: “It is hard to put your finger on it.

“All I can say is that they have been brilliant with me. I think this is a club which backs its young players if they are good enough, and that is important.

“Will Welch is a prime example of what can happen with being made club captain at just 22 years of age, and he is another brilliant case of a North East lad coming through and making the grade.”